When it comes to education, the size of a school doesn’t necessarily define its quality, but it can offer a fascinating glimpse into scale, diversity, and resource management. Around the world, a few exceptional schools stand out for serving tens of thousands—or even millions—of students.
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In this article, we explore the top 10 largest schools in the world based on student population. These institutions face unique challenges but also demonstrate innovation, resilience, and dedication to academic excellence.
Why Size Isn’t Everything
While large schools may offer abundant resources and extensive programs, they also encounter unique hurdles:
- Limited personalized attention: Teachers may struggle to give students individual support.
- Logistical challenges: Managing such vast populations demands advanced infrastructure and planning.
- Potential for diluted resources: With so many students, even well-funded institutions can feel the strain.
Despite these challenges, the schools listed below have not only managed to function efficiently but also set examples in leadership, equity, and educational vision.
Top 10 Largest Schools in the World
Discover the world’s largest educational institutions, not just by size, but by impact. Each school or board listed here serves tens of thousands — even millions — of students and plays a significant role in shaping education on a local and global scale.
City Montessori School (Lucknow, India)
Founded in 1959, City Montessori School (CMS) is the largest school in the world by enrollment, with more than 55,000 students. Spread across multiple campuses in Lucknow, India, CMS is renowned for its emphasis on peace education, global citizenship, and academic excellence. It follows a progressive curriculum and integrates values-based learning. The school has received international acclaim and several UNESCO awards for its efforts in promoting world unity and tolerance through education among students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
- Students: Over 55,000
- Type: Private School
Uttar Pradesh Board of Education (India)
The Uttar Pradesh Board of Education is not a single institution but a massive government body overseeing thousands of schools in India’s most populous state. As the largest educational board in the world, it manages curriculum development, examinations, and policy implementation for millions of students. The board plays a pivotal role in maintaining educational standards and improving literacy. Its scale and responsibility highlight the logistical and administrative challenges involved in managing such a vast and diverse student population across urban and rural regions.
- Students: Over 31 million
- Type: Educational Board
Anuban Nakhon Ratchasima School (Thailand)
Located in northeastern Thailand, Anuban Nakhon Ratchasima School is the world’s largest primary school. It focuses on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills through innovative teaching methods. The school supports early childhood education and provides a well-rounded curriculum aimed at holistic development. With state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff, the school fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment. Despite its size, it maintains strong community ties and prioritizes student well-being, helping to set a model for large-scale elementary education worldwide.
- Students: Over 28,000
- Type: Government Primary School
Ambedkar Nagar Government Girls Inter College (India)
Ambedkar Nagar Government Girls Inter College, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is the largest all-girls school globally. It plays a critical role in promoting girls’ education in a region where access to schooling has historically been limited for females. The institution offers classes from primary to high school and supports girls’ empowerment through education. The school emphasizes discipline, academic achievement, and leadership development. Its scale demonstrates India’s push to close gender gaps in education and invest in a more equitable learning future.
- Students: Over 25,000
- Type: Government All-Girls School
Education Department of Henan Province (China)
The Education Department of Henan Province is responsible for overseeing the public education system in one of China’s most populous regions. With over 23 million students under its jurisdiction, the department handles policy implementation, curriculum planning, teacher training, and education reforms. It aims to ensure quality education across urban and rural schools. The department works to standardize academic content while also addressing regional disparities. Its efforts support China’s broader national goals of educational modernization and social mobility through accessible learning opportunities.
- Students: Over 23 million
- Type: Provincial Government Education Authority
Education Department of Bihar (India)
The Education Department of Bihar manages education policy and public schools in Bihar, one of India’s most populous and historically underserved states. With over 20 million students, it is tasked with improving literacy, boosting school enrollment, and ensuring curriculum consistency across urban and rural areas. The department promotes inclusive education through mid-day meal schemes, infrastructure development, and teacher recruitment programs. Its large-scale efforts reflect the Indian government’s ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes and accessibility for economically disadvantaged communities.
- Students: Over 20 million
- Type: State Government Education Authority
Rong Qiao Sedun School (Fuzhou, China)
Rong Qiao Sedun School, located in Fuzhou, China, is the largest private school globally. Offering classes from primary to high school, the institution is known for academic excellence, discipline, and extracurricular variety. The school emphasizes bilingual education, international exposure, and STEM-based learning. Its large campus accommodates thousands of students with modern facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and art centers. Despite its size, the school maintains a strong focus on individualized learning and character development, making it a top choice for elite private education in China.
- Students: Over 19,000
- Type: Private School
Brooklyn Technical High School (New York, USA)
Brooklyn Technical High School is the largest specialized public high school in the United States and one of the top STEM-focused schools nationwide. Established in 1922, it provides a rigorous curriculum emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Admissions are highly competitive, drawing students from across New York City. With modern labs, engineering studios, and mentorship opportunities, Brooklyn Tech prepares students for elite colleges and future careers. Its large student body benefits from robust extracurricular programs and a thriving alumni network.
- Students: Over 8,000
- Type: Public Specialized High School
Westlake Girls High School (Auckland, New Zealand)
Westlake Girls High School, based in Auckland, is the largest all-girls secondary school in the world. It is known for academic excellence, leadership development, and a vibrant school culture. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, innovation, and character building. Students have access to diverse programs in arts, sports, and science. The school fosters a sense of community and empowers young women to become confident leaders. Its inclusive environment encourages cultural expression and supports the holistic development of each student.
- Students: Over 2,500
- Type: Public All-Girls Secondary School
Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire, USA)
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the most prestigious and historic private boarding schools in the United States. Located in New Hampshire, the school is best known for the Harkness method, where students lead discussions around oval tables. With small class sizes and rigorous academics, Exeter encourages critical thinking, leadership, and character development. Students come from around the world, creating a culturally rich environment. The school also offers extensive extracurriculars, including athletics, the arts, and global study programs to broaden students’ horizons.
- Students: Over 1,000
- Type: Private Boarding School
Conclusion
The largest schools in the world aren’t just notable for their size—they represent diverse approaches to education, innovation in teaching, and commitment to student success. From all-girls institutions to STEM-focused academies and massive educational boards managing millions, these organizations continue to shape the future of global education.
Their scale, structure, and educational philosophies offer valuable lessons on how to deliver learning at scale without compromising on quality.
FAQs About the Top 10 Largest Schools in the World
Got questions? Here are quick answers to the most common queries about the world’s top 10 largest schools.
Are there disadvantages to attending a large school?
Yes, large schools may struggle with providing individualized attention due to high student-to-teacher ratios. Crowded classrooms and limited resources can impact learning. However, many large schools address these issues with strong infrastructure, technology integration, and supportive staff to ensure student success.
Do large schools offer a diverse range of programs and extracurricular activities?
Absolutely. Most large schools provide a wide range of academic subjects and extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, and clubs. These opportunities help students explore interests, develop new skills, and foster a sense of community within a large learning environment.
Are large schools only in developing countries?
No. While many are located in developing countries like India and China, large schools also exist in developed nations such as the United States and New Zealand. Factors like population density, education policy, and infrastructure influence the size, not just a country’s economic status.
How do these large schools manage so many students?
Large schools and boards use structured administration, multiple campuses, and digital tools to manage operations. They often have large teaching staffs, dedicated management teams, and efficient scheduling systems. Technology and centralized planning help maintain order and deliver consistent education at scale.
What is the largest school in the world?
City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India, holds the record as the world’s largest school by enrollment, with over 55,000 students. Known for its global curriculum and values-based education, CMS operates multiple campuses and promotes peace, unity, and excellence in academics.
Do larger schools have better resources than smaller ones?
Not necessarily. While many large schools have more facilities and funding, resource allocation depends on management and local policies. Some small schools may offer higher-quality resources per student. However, larger institutions often provide greater variety in programs, extracurriculars, and specialized services due to economies of scale.
Can students succeed academically in such large environments?
Yes, many students thrive academically in large schools due to diverse course offerings, experienced faculty, and peer support networks. However, success depends on a student’s ability to stay engaged and access available resources. Schools with strong guidance systems and support services can make a big difference in student outcomes.
What role does technology play in managing large schools?
Technology plays a critical role in scheduling, attendance, learning management, and communication. Many large schools use platforms for digital learning, student tracking, and parent-teacher engagement. Smart infrastructure and data analytics help administrators streamline operations and make data-driven decisions to improve educational quality and efficiency.
Are teachers in large schools overburdened?
In some cases, yes. High student-to-teacher ratios can lead to increased workloads and less personalized instruction. However, many large schools hire additional staff, use teaching assistants, or implement tech-based tools to reduce pressure. Proper support systems and professional development programs help educators manage larger classrooms effectively.
How do large schools maintain discipline and safety?
Large schools use a combination of structured rules, surveillance systems, trained staff, and student engagement initiatives to maintain order and safety. Many have dedicated security teams, counselors, and peer-monitoring programs. Strong leadership and a positive school culture are essential to ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment.